Yuxuan Ding

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"My work focuses on the cultural conflict between China and America by looking through people who are from these two cultural backgrounds and their response to the cyberbullying issue. I hope to create a dialogue as to how we can better understand each other and be more comfortable together."

Portrait 1 & 2 - Prints on acrylic sheets 36 x 24 in.

Born and raised in China, Yuxuan Ding completed a Bachelor's Degree of Art (2013) from Ohio State University and an MFA from Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts of Washington University in St. Louis (May 2018).

"During my time studying in the United States, I have experienced the differences between Chinese and American culture, which is also the primary focus of my work. I am interested in the exploration of the differences between those two cultures and hope to create a universal language for people to better understand each other.

Since the beginning of my studies at The Washington University of St. Louis, I have been trying to find ways to introduce aspects of Chinese culture to an American audience, while hoping to one day introduce parts of American culture to an audience in China. I initially found little to no success after trying various methods to promote such a “cultural exchange”, and after a semester of attempts, I realized that what I was doing was not in line with my original ideas and plans.

I started by first painting Chinese-style paintings using traditional techniques, in hopes that the audience could be introduced to an important part of Chinese culture; art. It was later that I found another outlet in which I could accomplish my goal, the expression of individuality in Chinese and American culture. During the spring of 2017, I started working on a project, which investigated Internet bullying, and how it affected its targets.

Even though my art pieces represent the different aspects of Chinese and American culture, my works appear to be critical of the differences and similarities found among them when presenting my works to the audience. In using materials often associated with Chinese art, I am willing to not only draw a comparison between the two cultures but to also create a universal culture that can assist people around the world to better understand each other and the role culture has in one.”